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Post by basdfg on Jul 18, 2020 14:08:59 GMT
Problem is a concrete Stage 5 date cannot be given until not too long before date it begins due to the virus being unpredictable. November is the provisional plan but nobody knows what the situation will be like then for it to be concrete - if it was 100% certain that in November it will be safe to have no SD in theatres then they be no need to keep the Nightingales on reserve till the end of March.
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Post by theatreian on Jul 18, 2020 15:46:33 GMT
It will be extremely difficult to give a date as no one knows what will happen with the virus come the autumn and winter. It must be frustrating for theatres having been given a date for socially distanced performances but not for non ones. That is just the way it is i guess for the foreseeable future. Not much help for the theatres but no one has a crystal ball.
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Post by Dr Tom on Jul 18, 2020 15:47:04 GMT
There are plenty of shows that have toured, knowing that they can turn a profit even if they're not close to a sellout. Mostly plays, but even some musicals with smaller casts and simple sets (Hair 50, Avenue Q) etc. If the theatres were amenable and the producers willing to take a risk, some of those could easily do a few months in London.
Some concert productions could do well too.
Nothing is going to change immediately, but it doesn't all need to be doom and gloom.
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Post by fiyero on Jul 18, 2020 16:12:22 GMT
There are plenty of shows that have toured, knowing that they can turn a profit even if they're not close to a sellout. Mostly plays, but even some musicals with smaller casts and simple sets (Hair 50, Avenue Q) etc. If the theatres were amenable and the producers willing to take a risk, some of those could easily do a few months in London. Some concert productions could do well too. Nothing is going to change immediately, but it doesn't all need to be doom and gloom. I have seen plenty of tours that were even discounting and very low number of seats filled. I am sure they weren't making a profit but if it was that dire they wouldn't have carried on! I am sure lots of shows could do well even if they have to adapt and slim down a bit. I'm sure there must be enough well known shows which could do an 'in concert' version late summer tour |
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Post by Jon on Jul 18, 2020 16:14:26 GMT
I wonder if Les Mis the Concert could make a comeback at the Sondheim?
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Post by basdfg on Jul 18, 2020 17:24:55 GMT
I wonder if Les Mis the Concert could make a comeback at the Sondheim? Maybe but I imagine the wage bill (Due to star names) would need reducing a fair bit to make selling less tickets viable. |
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Post by Deleted on Jul 19, 2020 1:01:10 GMT
There is a difference between planning to make a profit and failing and planning to do something that will cost you more money than if you didn’t do it.
The former is bad luck, bad management, overconfidence. The latter is just madness. Maybe the Mackintoshes of this world can cope (he could for a short while and he’s almost on his own) but the vast majority of producers/venues would just go under more quickly. Smaller companies with no building or major running costs may be a different matter but, if you’re trying to keep a building going, forget it.
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Post by zahidf on Jul 19, 2020 8:26:30 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Jul 19, 2020 8:55:39 GMT
I wonder if Les Mis the Concert could make a comeback at the Sondheim This is the sort of thing that 100% could happen, though sadly given Cameron's repeated view that he'll only open when pre corona conditions are restored, is very unlikely to happen. Would have to be different to the Gielgud version. Just the usual 15 piece orchestra, spaced out at upper back of stage (or maybe half there and half in pit) and a smaller cast. I don't think it needs star names in these culture deprived times and if they charged 100 quid a ticket I am sure they'd sell out and am sure they could make some money. Even with 1/3 ish capacity and distancing. It's the kind of thing I'd love to see the big expensive shows doing as a temporary (cheaper for them) solution. |
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Post by basdfg on Jul 19, 2020 8:58:32 GMT
I wonder if Les Mis the Concert could make a comeback at the Sondheim This is the sort of thing that 100% could happen, though sadly given Cameron's repeated view that he'll only open when pre corona conditions are restored, is very unlikely to happen. Would have to be different to the Gielgud version. Just the usual 15 piece orchestra, spaced out at upper back of stage (or maybe half there and half in pit) and a smaller cast. I don't think it needs star names in these culture deprived times and if they charged 100 quid a ticket I am sure they'd sell out and am sure they could make some money. Even with 1/3 ish capacity and distancing. It's the kind of thing I'd love to see the big expensive shows doing as a temporary (cheaper for them) solution. Would people really pay a £100 a ticket to see unknowns sing the roles? |
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Post by theatreian on Jul 19, 2020 9:21:19 GMT
I guess with musicals and concerts there is still the issue with singing and the droplets expelled to be resolved for indoor performances. Once the trials have been carried out we may be further on with what may happen. Plays will be more likely and also i had thought of those musicals with not much singing if vocals could be prerecorded and mimed .
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Post by Deleted on Jul 19, 2020 9:26:16 GMT
This is the sort of thing that 100% could happen, though sadly given Cameron's repeated view that he'll only open when pre corona conditions are restored, is very unlikely to happen. Would have to be different to the Gielgud version. Just the usual 15 piece orchestra, spaced out at upper back of stage (or maybe half there and half in pit) and a smaller cast. I don't think it needs star names in these culture deprived times and if they charged 100 quid a ticket I am sure they'd sell out and am sure they could make some money. Even with 1/3 ish capacity and distancing. It's the kind of thing I'd love to see the big expensive shows doing as a temporary (cheaper for them) solution. Would people really pay a £100 a ticket to see unknowns sing the roles? Well - back to my earlier argument up thread about supply and demand. Most people wouldn't. But more people would than tickets available in the current climate, so my hunch is that it would sell out. Kinda irrelevant though as Cam Mac has made his feeling pretty clear. Although - do we know what's happened to current Les Mis cast? Were they released from contract like Phantom or are they still available? If latter you'd barely need to pay for a rehearsal period.... |
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Post by BurlyBeaR on Jul 19, 2020 9:40:47 GMT
The amount of spittle being projected into the audience by the leads at the les mis concert was alarming even before the virus. Can’t see it happening in that kind of environment. Maybe an arena tour of the concert version? They could probably socially distance and still recoup given the popularity of the show.
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Post by Dr Tom on Jul 19, 2020 10:12:29 GMT
The amount of spittle being projected into the audience by the leads at the les mis concert was alarming even before the virus. Can’t see it happening in that kind of environment. Maybe an arena tour of the concert version? They could probably socially distance and still recoup given the popularity of the show. I also wouldn't be surprised if theatres start to fit those clear perplex screens at the front of the stage to protect the audience. |
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Post by jess173 on Jul 19, 2020 10:49:59 GMT
I also wouldn't be surprised if theatres start to fit those clear perplex screens at the front of the stage to protect the audience. But wouldn’t that create a problem with the lighting? These things can be highly reflective and the big spotlights are coming from the upper levels so that could be pretty unpleasant for some people sitting in the wrong spots in the audience... |
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Post by Deleted on Jul 19, 2020 11:02:45 GMT
The amount of spittle being projected into the audience by the leads at the les mis concert was alarming even before the virus. Can’t see it happening in that kind of environment. Maybe an arena tour of the concert version? They could probably socially distance and still recoup given the popularity of the show. God it really was. I sat front row (side aisle thank God) and it was borderline alarming given how close to stage we were. Removal first three rows wouldn't have been enough! Felt sorry for those in the middle right in front of Michael Ball. Guess at Sondheim there is the pit through. So pit plus 1st three rows off sale might be ok. Plus they don't need to stand right at front. |
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Post by BurlyBeaR on Jul 19, 2020 12:15:39 GMT
You could put the Perspex shields in front of the first row, whatever row that is, rather than at the front of the stage. Then tilt them so that you’re not looking at a reflection of yourself. Even with all of that I reckon I’d be getting togged up for it...  |
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Post by basdfg on Jul 19, 2020 12:39:10 GMT
The Church near mine has resumed singing despite it not being legal yet - the majority of the people that go there are elderly as well. So maybe there will be a big demand to go theatre and risk the virus if high risk people are risking it.
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Post by TallPaul on Jul 19, 2020 12:49:31 GMT
The Church near mine has resumed singing despite it not being legal yet Have you heard it with your own ears, or is it just hearsay? |
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Post by basdfg on Jul 19, 2020 15:15:09 GMT
The Church near mine has resumed singing despite it not being legal yet Have you heard it with your own ears, or is it just hearsay? Heard it - first time in months the congregation has been heard having a sing - only one or two hymns compared to normal. |
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Post by TallPaul on Jul 19, 2020 15:35:49 GMT
Have you heard it with your own ears, or is it just hearsay? Heard it - first time in months the congregation has been heard having a sing - only one or two hymns compared to normal. Are you absolutely certain it's 'live' singing, rather than a recording being played over the PA? I genuinely can't see any church flouting the rules and finding itself at the centre of a scandal. |
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Post by BurlyBeaR on Jul 19, 2020 15:55:26 GMT
I went out for sunday lunch with a friend. First time out since a concert at the Lowry mid March. I gave him a hug, that was the first person I’ve touched in four months. I’ll probably catch it now 😝.
Wow, how the world has changed. We went to Dukes 92 at Castlefield (for those who know Manc). At first glance it seemed normal, that seated area by the canal was busy as usual but we had to queue briefly to enter, hand gel administered by door staff, filled in a form, was taken to a table inside, was told to access an app to order and pay. It was very slick. The menu was limited and the Sunday roast wasn’t all that but hey, we were out and someone else cooked it. Went across to Barca for a drink after, same routine exceot we didn’t have to give a name and address.
I think a lot of these routines will stick. I know apps were starting to be used at places like Weatherspoons before Covid but this seems like a hugely more efficient way of doing things, albeit a less social experience if you find chinwagging with waiting staff to be part of the dining fun, which I don’t.
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Post by basdfg on Jul 19, 2020 16:09:16 GMT
Through there is a proportion of people who don't have the technology or technological skills to use App's - my parents for example - will business want to turn away people if they can't use an app?
The Sun Newspaper is warning of the risks of leaving your name and address in pubs in open books due to data security issues.
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Post by basdfg on Jul 19, 2020 16:09:40 GMT
Heard it - first time in months the congregation has been heard having a sing - only one or two hymns compared to normal. Are you absolutely certain it's 'live' singing, rather than a recording being played over the PA? I genuinely can't see any church flouting the rules and finding itself at the centre of a scandal. Sounded live - hopefully not through. |
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Post by Jon on Jul 19, 2020 16:18:12 GMT
Through there is a proportion of people who don't have the technology or technological skills to use App's - my parents for example - will business want to turn away people if they can't use an app? The Sun Newspaper is warning of the risks of leaving your name and address in pubs in open books due to data security issues. You can't let the minority overrule the majority. |
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